Is Dyslexia Hereditary
Or Do We Develop it During Childhood?
People have always asked the question, is dyslexia hereditary (something we are born with) or does it develop over the course of childhood?
In this page we are going to be looking at some striking evidence that suggests that the condition is indeed something we are born with and pass on from generation to generation. Most importantly, though, what does this mean for us who have to live with dyslexia everyday?
The Evidence:
On the 14th August 2013 new research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Boston Childrens’ Hospital was published in the Journal of Neuroscience.
The research was a write up of an experiment where 40 children had their brains’ scanned using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They also had their pre-reading skills assessed. These are children who are at the age where they are just starting to learn how to read.
The brain scans were looking at the arcuate fasciculus (a junction that connects the areas of the brain responsible for written and spoken language). It is known that the larger and more well structured this area is in adults the better their reading ability will be.
The study found that the more robust this section of the brain is in children the more likely they are to perform well on the pre-reading test of phonological awareness.
So, Is Dyslexia Hereditary?:
Therefore this research supports the idea that dyslexia is indeed something we are born with and is passed on from generation to generation. However this does not mean that there is nothing we can do about it.
New Help for Children:
This now means that dyslexia can be identified in children even before they start learning to read, which is fantastic news. Future generations of kids who are at risk of developing dyslexia will be given phonological intervention even before they have read their first book. The earlier a child receives help the less of an impact it will have on their lives.
Beating Dyslexia is All About Your Point of View:
Some people would say that this research shows that there is nothing we can do about our dyslexia. They may say “That's just the way it is and you can’t change it”. If anyone says this to you they are talking utter RUBBISH!!!!!
The human brain is incredibly malleable and you can go on improving your reading, writing and phonological awareness your entire life, so never let anyone tell you to give up trying.
People who say they don’t believe they can change are just looking for an excuse to be lazy. Change is hard and it takes a long time but you will get an amazing feeling of satisfaction when you achieve your goals.
You CAN overcome dyslexia…...
